Finding a home you love is exciting. Learning that the seller has chosen another buyer is hard—especially when your own move depends on selling the home you already own.

That was part of Patrick’s journey to his next home in Portage. On October 23, 2026, he reached the closing table thrilled about his purchase and thankful for the people who helped him get there. For us, it was the chance to celebrate with a returning client whose trust goes back nearly seven years.

A familiar team for a new chapter

We helped Patrick purchase his Valleywood home in November 2019. When he was ready for another move, he reached out again.

His goal was to find a home that suited this next stage of life. We talked through the steps: reconnect with his lender, narrow his wish list, and coordinate the timing of his current home’s sale with his next purchase.

Patrick took that process seriously. After one showing, he decided that even a beautiful home in a location he liked offered more space than he wanted. He kept looking rather than forcing a fit.

The Portage home that deserved a second look

David showed Patrick the home on Avon Street at the end of August. The team’s follow-up that evening captured his enthusiasm: he loved the house.

But his first offer did not result in an accepted contract. Patrick needed his Valleywood sale to close before he could purchase Avon, and the sellers chose another buyer whose offer did not carry that home-sale contingency.

Then the situation changed. The other buyer’s contract ended after inspection, and the listing agent contacted Jason to ask whether Patrick was still interested.

A second opportunity called for a fresh review. Jason went through the inspection report that had been shared with the sellers and made available to us, outlined items for Patrick to consider, and explained the limitations of relying on a report prepared for someone else. Patrick had room to ask questions and decide whether he still wanted to move forward.

With more information and progress on his own sale, Patrick chose to try again. His offer was accepted on September 11.

Clear communication when several moves overlap

There were several timelines to coordinate. Patrick’s home sale was being handled separately, and the sellers of Avon were also purchasing another home.

When the closing date for Valleywood shifted, Patrick asked whether it would create a problem for his purchase. Jason reviewed the timing and reassured him that the revised date still left time for Avon.

Cindi served as his main point of contact as the purchase moved toward closing. She explained the next steps, stayed in touch about the lender’s progress, and clarified why the sellers’ own move affected the closing schedule. Patrick stayed responsive and supplied what his lender needed.

That kind of communication matters. A change on the calendar can feel unsettling when you do not know what it means. Knowing what is happening—and who is following up—helps you make decisions with a clearer picture.

A lesson from the sale handled separately

At closing, Patrick also reflected on selling Valleywood directly to his roommate. He and his roommate had chosen to handle that sale through an attorney At the closing table, Patrick told me he wished he had taken my advice and let us help, describing frustration with the pace and communication during that separate process.

His experience is a useful reminder for anyone who already has a buyer lined up: knowing the buyer is one piece of the transaction. Someone still needs to track deadlines, coordinate with the lender and title company, follow up on outstanding items, and explain how the sale affects your next purchase.

If you are considering a sale to someone you know, talk through who will handle those responsibilities before you get started. Clear expectations can make a meaningful difference.

“We’ve done it again.”

At the end of today’s closing, Patrick said, “We’ve done it again.”

Nearly seven years after helping him buy his previous home, we were celebrating another purchase together. He was absolutely thrilled about this home and expressed how thankful he was for our team’s help in making the purchase smooth.

Patrick, thank you for trusting us again. We are grateful to have been part of both chapters and excited for you as you make this Portage home your own.

Planning your next move in Portage?

If you need to sell one home before buying another—or already know who may buy your current home—start with a conversation about how the pieces will fit together.

Schedule a 15-minute phone consultation with the Veenstra Team. We can talk through your goals, timing, and the steps that need coordination. You can also contact our team, call or text 269-350-5514, or email sold@veenstrateam.com.

Jason Veenstra | Veenstra Team | eXp Realty LLC